This article presents a feasibilty on a solar power system based on the Stirling dish (SD) technology, reviews and compares the available Stirling engines in the perspective of a solar Stirling system. The system is evaluated, as a parameter to alleviate the energy system of the Cretan island while taking care of the CO2 emissions. In the results a sensitivity analysis was implemented, as well as a comparison with conventional power systems. In the long-term, solar thermal power stations based on a SD can become a competitive option on the electricity market, if a concerted programme capable of building the forces of industry, finance, insurance and other decision makers will support the market extension for this promising technology. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.